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Police did not say whether Gonzalez was in the crosswalk when he was struck, nor did they corroborate media reports saying the driver exited the vehicle and looked at Gonzalez before speeding away.

Police found the car involved, a 2006 Chrysler 300 with front-end damage, on Northwest 11th Street after numerous witness tips.

“We found a crucial piece of evidence,” said Fallat said. “What we need to do is find that driver and put him behind the wheel.”

Fallat called the tip line “a mighty tool for detectives,” and said the department is relying on witness tips to piece the scene together. Police are also examining a video recorded by a neighboring business’ security system.

The man’s mother, Carmen Montoya, told Miami Herald news partner CBS4 that she knew something was wrong when her son’s dog, Mr. V.P., made it all the way back to her apartment by himself.

She said Mr. V.P. scratched on the door to the building and was allowed in, before riding the elevator to the seventh floor and the door of Montoya’s apartment.

“I love my son dearly. He was the light of my life. I am a single mom,” she told CBS4. “Please if anybody knows anything come forward. It could be somebody you love tomorrow. This hits a nerve. If you were a witness, come forward. You have a social responsibility.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the Miami Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit at 305-603-6525 or Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.